There have been festivals that have been born without taking into account economic and touristic interests, that have moved away from macroeconomic culture and that aim to offer high-level music and musicians. In part, Hondarribia's Bluesaldia still maintains that starting point, and that's its greatest value. Hondarribitarra Carlos Malles, tired of having to go a long way to listen live to the music he loves, decided to bring those groups to the people. With the support of the City Hall, the Blues Hondarribia Musika Elkartea Musical Association and a great effort, the first edition went ahead. Faced with the good reception of the people, the City Hall has made more money since then, but volunteering remains one of the bases.

Thanks to this passion and teamwork we were able to listen in July to Eric Sardinas, Robert Cray, Sharrie Williams, Zora Young or Tail Dragger, winner of the 2009 Hondarribia Blues Award for the best original soundtrack. And in the previous six editions we have been able to listen to Johnny Winter, Solomon Burke, James Cotton, Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith and Pinetop Perkins, among many others – the last two deaths last year. For the enjoyment of the hobby and for those we approach with curiosity, it is a unique opportunity to enjoy the great names of the blues in general. It creates a special atmosphere, with melancholy at intense melancholic intervals, long trumpet solids, percussion rhythms, deep black voices, an interesting blues aesthetic… When the streets of Hondarribia jump.

Free and outdoor, the large tent of the Sale is the place where the most massive performances are given, while the rest of the performances are carried out in small scenarios, dispersed by the people. The Bishop's Square is my favorite place, behind the church of the Old Town. Its charm is natural, and in addition to the chairs, sitting on the grass and on the pretil, from the balcony, listening or walking along the stone road, the programs can be heard calmly, without people.

The powerful voice of the Blues Gospel Princess ‘Rockin’, the JW Jones guitar exhibition, the Quinteto Huckleberry Finn juerga atmosphere, the fusion of styles of the Playing For Change band, among others. After seven years, beyond the category, I would say that the festival has been able to maintain philosophy and passion, and it is not fragile.